Today's Reading: Revelation 19-22
My daughter and I are huge romantics.
My daughter and I love weddings, or perhaps better said, we love to think about planning the perfect wedding.
We've thought about the perfect place decorated to the T.
We've thought about the perfect music and the musicians who would do the music justice.
We've thought about the perfect colors.
We've looked at dresses.
We've picked out tuxedoes.
We have a menu in mind and a place for the reception.
We've thought about the perfect day and hour.
We've even concocted the perfect bridegroom from a variety of our favorite leading men.
But none of this even begins to match the marvelous wedding we will be attending and being a part of in heaven: the wedding of Christ and the Church.
God is a bigger romantic than either my daughter or me.
And that is saying a whole lot.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Day 363: Bowls of Heaven
Today's Reading: Revelation 12-18
How many prayers have you prayed?
I cannot begin to imagine the number of mine.
Some of my prayers were simple.
Some were complex and deep.
Some were wordless and filled with tears.
It is amazing to think that all the prayers of the saints have been saved in bowls. Big, humongous salad bowls of prayer.
To think God values our prayers so much that God would keep them, the way I keep love letters, my children's kindergarten art or poems.
I think this is amazing.
How many prayers have you prayed?
I cannot begin to imagine the number of mine.
Some of my prayers were simple.
Some were complex and deep.
Some were wordless and filled with tears.
It is amazing to think that all the prayers of the saints have been saved in bowls. Big, humongous salad bowls of prayer.
To think God values our prayers so much that God would keep them, the way I keep love letters, my children's kindergarten art or poems.
I think this is amazing.
Day 362: Heaven's Math
Today's Reading: Revelation 6-11
144,000
The number in heaven saved
12 x 12
10 x 10 x 10
2(12) x 3(10)
2 = faithful witnesses
12 = the people of God
3 = the trinity
10 = the perfect law
144,000
Those people of God
who heard and became
faithful witnesses
to the perfect law
of our God.
144,000
The number in heaven saved
12 x 12
10 x 10 x 10
2(12) x 3(10)
2 = faithful witnesses
12 = the people of God
3 = the trinity
10 = the perfect law
144,000
Those people of God
who heard and became
faithful witnesses
to the perfect law
of our God.
Day 361: Listening to the Spirit
Today's Reading: Revelation 1-5
We have these two things on our heads...ears.
We have this major organ in our body...heart.
We have a huge area in our torso...gut.
These are three major conduits for listening to the Holy Spirit.
Our ears allow us to catch the wave notes. Our heart allows us to catch the rhythm of God's pulse. Our gut allows us to respond in compassion and courage.
The voice from heaven calls to us.
Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Remember your first love of Christ.
Be faithful unto death.
Change the way you think and act.
Stay away from the things of Satan.
Be alert and alive in the Spirit.
Pay attention to God's word and claim his name.
Be either hot or cold, no lukewarm icky-ness.
Tall order.
Did I get that all down?
We have these two things on our heads...ears.
We have this major organ in our body...heart.
We have a huge area in our torso...gut.
These are three major conduits for listening to the Holy Spirit.
Our ears allow us to catch the wave notes. Our heart allows us to catch the rhythm of God's pulse. Our gut allows us to respond in compassion and courage.
The voice from heaven calls to us.
Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Remember your first love of Christ.
Be faithful unto death.
Change the way you think and act.
Stay away from the things of Satan.
Be alert and alive in the Spirit.
Pay attention to God's word and claim his name.
Be either hot or cold, no lukewarm icky-ness.
Tall order.
Did I get that all down?
Day 360: Trinity of Values
Today's Reading: 2 John, 3 John
John likes three things...talks about them all the time.
I think if he were writing his mission statement, these would be his opening words: Faith, Truth and Love.
He puts truth above hope.
Paul likes the hope word, probably because of all of his persecution and suffering.
John likes the truth word, probably because of his focus on love.
Love without truth is really not love at all. A lot of us withhold truth from people we "love" because we think it might "hurt" them. But without truth, we are really deceiving ourselves.
Truth without love is a killer. It is cold judgment no one can hear. It grates on the very one who needs the truth.
It takes a lot of faith to speak the truth in love. We have to want more for the one we love than for ourselves.
And that is always hard.
John likes three things...talks about them all the time.
I think if he were writing his mission statement, these would be his opening words: Faith, Truth and Love.
He puts truth above hope.
Paul likes the hope word, probably because of all of his persecution and suffering.
John likes the truth word, probably because of his focus on love.
Love without truth is really not love at all. A lot of us withhold truth from people we "love" because we think it might "hurt" them. But without truth, we are really deceiving ourselves.
Truth without love is a killer. It is cold judgment no one can hear. It grates on the very one who needs the truth.
It takes a lot of faith to speak the truth in love. We have to want more for the one we love than for ourselves.
And that is always hard.
Day 359: Real Love
Today's Reading: 1 John
One day, I am going to know unconditional love.
And you will, too.
Until then, we have to deal with people deciding upon whether or not they love us based upon our looks, our temperament, our bad days, our production level, what we can give them or how they feel.
Pretty rotten, eh?
Problem is, we do the same thing.
The other day, in the airport, I saw a man, sloppy, dirty, unshaven and pimply. It was hard not to judge him as someone I devalued without even speaking to him. I decided I didn't want to know him. How shallow is that?
How I long to love unconditionally.
To not even have to correct my first impressions of judgment.
Until I fully realize God's unconditional love for me, I will never be able to love others.
And there are so many people who need love.
Me included.
A friend sent me this song which says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGUKWiw7Wk
As you listen to it, let us pray for more love today.
And tomorrow.
One day, I am going to know unconditional love.
And you will, too.
Until then, we have to deal with people deciding upon whether or not they love us based upon our looks, our temperament, our bad days, our production level, what we can give them or how they feel.
Pretty rotten, eh?
Problem is, we do the same thing.
The other day, in the airport, I saw a man, sloppy, dirty, unshaven and pimply. It was hard not to judge him as someone I devalued without even speaking to him. I decided I didn't want to know him. How shallow is that?
How I long to love unconditionally.
To not even have to correct my first impressions of judgment.
Until I fully realize God's unconditional love for me, I will never be able to love others.
And there are so many people who need love.
Me included.
A friend sent me this song which says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGUKWiw7Wk
As you listen to it, let us pray for more love today.
And tomorrow.
Day 358: Everything we need
Today's Reading: 2 Peter 1-3, Jude
"Are you sure you have everything you need?"
This is my usual question to my children as we pack to go visit relatives or to go on vacation.
Toothbrush and paste.
An appropriate number of underwear.
Clothing for all possible weather.
Shoes--fancy and practical.
A good book.
"Do you have everything you need?"
This is a good image as we journey in faith.
What's in your suitcase?
Most of us pack our own bags with extra heavy stuff we might not need. We might leave out the essentials.
It is a good thing we have a heavenly parent who makes sure to provide everything we need. This is the joy of the journey.
If you forget an essential, God has packed extra for you.
So relax.
It's all good.
"Are you sure you have everything you need?"
This is my usual question to my children as we pack to go visit relatives or to go on vacation.
Toothbrush and paste.
An appropriate number of underwear.
Clothing for all possible weather.
Shoes--fancy and practical.
A good book.
"Do you have everything you need?"
This is a good image as we journey in faith.
What's in your suitcase?
Most of us pack our own bags with extra heavy stuff we might not need. We might leave out the essentials.
It is a good thing we have a heavenly parent who makes sure to provide everything we need. This is the joy of the journey.
If you forget an essential, God has packed extra for you.
So relax.
It's all good.
Day 357: O2 faith
Today's Reading: 2 Timothy
There is nothing like a fire in the fireplace.
I learned to build one at an early age because I realized this was an invaluable skill in making a house a home.
Fire needs three things: heat, O2 and something to consume.
Most people understand the need for ignition with heat and something to consume, but most fires go out because there is not enough O2.
Fanning the flame, providing the air, the wind, the gust of O2 is the work of the fire builder. Making sure there is enough room for the wind to blow through the ignited embers is key.
We have been created to be on fire, to be passionate for God. Most of us are wood piles waiting to be ignited.
Once ignited by the Holy Spirit fire, we need to be fanned regularly into flame.
Many in the church are lit coals who are just slowly burning away. We have not learned how to fan ourselves or each other into flame. We have not learned to build our fires with room for the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, to blow through us. The old ash blocks the air. We sit paralyzed hoping someone or something will re-ignite us.
Paul states to Timothy that it is his job to fan his own faith, and gives the instructions on how to do it:
A recognition of the power, love and discernment at our fingertips along with the courage to tell others about our Lord keep the flames burning.
These spiritual exercises are the O2 for our faith.
There is nothing like a fire in the fireplace.
I learned to build one at an early age because I realized this was an invaluable skill in making a house a home.
Fire needs three things: heat, O2 and something to consume.
Most people understand the need for ignition with heat and something to consume, but most fires go out because there is not enough O2.
Fanning the flame, providing the air, the wind, the gust of O2 is the work of the fire builder. Making sure there is enough room for the wind to blow through the ignited embers is key.
We have been created to be on fire, to be passionate for God. Most of us are wood piles waiting to be ignited.
Once ignited by the Holy Spirit fire, we need to be fanned regularly into flame.
Many in the church are lit coals who are just slowly burning away. We have not learned how to fan ourselves or each other into flame. We have not learned to build our fires with room for the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, to blow through us. The old ash blocks the air. We sit paralyzed hoping someone or something will re-ignite us.
Paul states to Timothy that it is his job to fan his own faith, and gives the instructions on how to do it:
Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames. God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord...It is cowardice that keeps us cold and lifeless.
A recognition of the power, love and discernment at our fingertips along with the courage to tell others about our Lord keep the flames burning.
These spiritual exercises are the O2 for our faith.
Day 356: The Gift of Faith
Today's Reading: Hebrews 11-13
Faith.
It is what we all need, according to God.
But how do we get it?
You can't just go out and buy a bottle of it.
You can't find a garment of it in your size.
You can't ingest it.
It is a gift from the very one who requires it of us.
It assures us.
It convinces us.
It leads us.
It enables us.
It encourages us.
It is a gift to be coveted.
It moves us to the very place we need to be.
Faith.
It is what we all need, according to God.
But how do we get it?
You can't just go out and buy a bottle of it.
You can't find a garment of it in your size.
You can't ingest it.
It is a gift from the very one who requires it of us.
It assures us.
It convinces us.
It leads us.
It enables us.
It encourages us.
It is a gift to be coveted.
It moves us to the very place we need to be.
Day 355: Melchizedek
Today's Reading: Hebrews 7-10
Priesthood is an interesting concept throughout the Old Testament. Lots of garments with symbolic meaning and lots of sacrificing with futuristic promise. All those children of Aaron, the first High Priest. All those rams and lambs and bulls and turtle doves sacrificed. All that blood spilled for sin--life for life. All those burnt offerings of oil and grain and meat and incense.
And then along comes a strange priest not of the order of Aaron. Not a priest of sacrifice but a priest of blessing. Melchizedek, king of righteousness. He is the priest who is the blessing, the one who's righteousness is enough.
Christ, our high priest, is the Melchizedek of heaven. By the glory and weight of his righteousness, all believers become priests--ushers of blessing into the world.
Priesthood is an interesting concept throughout the Old Testament. Lots of garments with symbolic meaning and lots of sacrificing with futuristic promise. All those children of Aaron, the first High Priest. All those rams and lambs and bulls and turtle doves sacrificed. All that blood spilled for sin--life for life. All those burnt offerings of oil and grain and meat and incense.
And then along comes a strange priest not of the order of Aaron. Not a priest of sacrifice but a priest of blessing. Melchizedek, king of righteousness. He is the priest who is the blessing, the one who's righteousness is enough.
Christ, our high priest, is the Melchizedek of heaven. By the glory and weight of his righteousness, all believers become priests--ushers of blessing into the world.
Day 354: From baby talk to reality
Today's Reading: Hebrews 1-6
There is just something about Greek that thrills me. We miss so much of the flair of a passage when we read it in English. Take for instance the first couple of verses in Hebrew.
It gives this marvelous picture of God, speaking to an infant humanity in baby talk. "In the past, God 'goo-goo-gaa-gaaed' to us through the prophets." Can't you just see God holding humanity in loving arms and trying to make us understand the kingdom of God? Much like the infant who has no clue about her mother's world or his dad's world, we couldn't begin to understand God's ways, so high above us.
But then, God came in flesh and blood reality to us in Jesus Christ. Language in a person. Not just a picture which spoke a thousand words, but a reality which was the incarnation of all God is.
What a marvelous image and paradigm!
There is just something about Greek that thrills me. We miss so much of the flair of a passage when we read it in English. Take for instance the first couple of verses in Hebrew.
It gives this marvelous picture of God, speaking to an infant humanity in baby talk. "In the past, God 'goo-goo-gaa-gaaed' to us through the prophets." Can't you just see God holding humanity in loving arms and trying to make us understand the kingdom of God? Much like the infant who has no clue about her mother's world or his dad's world, we couldn't begin to understand God's ways, so high above us.
But then, God came in flesh and blood reality to us in Jesus Christ. Language in a person. Not just a picture which spoke a thousand words, but a reality which was the incarnation of all God is.
What a marvelous image and paradigm!
Day 353: Temporary Residents
Today's Reading: 1 Peter 1-5
Travel might be great but living out of a suitcase is hard for me. I seem to never feel settled. Despite the wonderful new sights and adventures, I always love coming home after being a temporary resident elsewhere.
Peter starts his letter with this reality; we are temporary residents in this world. Though there are some amazing sights and sounds and people, there is always a feeling that we are not at home, we miss the comfort of something familiar we can't name.
Like Dorothy said to Toto, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." We know there is something very unfamiliar in this Oz-ian existance on earth.
There truly is no place like home.
Travel might be great but living out of a suitcase is hard for me. I seem to never feel settled. Despite the wonderful new sights and adventures, I always love coming home after being a temporary resident elsewhere.
Peter starts his letter with this reality; we are temporary residents in this world. Though there are some amazing sights and sounds and people, there is always a feeling that we are not at home, we miss the comfort of something familiar we can't name.
Like Dorothy said to Toto, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." We know there is something very unfamiliar in this Oz-ian existance on earth.
There truly is no place like home.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day 352: Appointing Elders
Today's Reading: Titus
Today, in our church, we will be appointing new elders for our next year.
The job description in my denomination is a steep one. Elders are responsible for the spiritual nurture of the congregation. They also serve on session, the governing body of the local church, providing leadership and vision. Each should be ready at any moment to teach, preach, serve, anoint and pray. Any one of these tasks is daunting, but to find those faithful and wise enough to serve in this role is truly a task of discernment.
Paul, writing to Titus, lengthens the job description with words like "blameless," "faithful," "not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain," "hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined," and able to stand firm in regards to the gospel and sound doctrine.
Is there anyone who can fulfill this role?
Even though I am ordained as a teaching/preaching elder, I know I fall short.
Later in the letter, Paul also gives a list of behaviors:
What is a wonder to me, then, is the fact that the work of God happens through such dented and chipped vessels like myself. One of the reasons it does is because as elders, we work together. One makes up for another's weaknesses.
As we focus on the "kindness and love of God," as we remember God saved us by mercy not because of our acts of righteousness, as we rely on the washing and filling of the Holy Spirit, and as we trust in God, we have the opportunity to be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good.
Some might see being appointed as an elder as an honor.
To me, it is very daunting and humbling, but also exciting. Imagine the work done by the saints of God when their hearts are focused upon God!
Today, in our church, we will be appointing new elders for our next year.
The job description in my denomination is a steep one. Elders are responsible for the spiritual nurture of the congregation. They also serve on session, the governing body of the local church, providing leadership and vision. Each should be ready at any moment to teach, preach, serve, anoint and pray. Any one of these tasks is daunting, but to find those faithful and wise enough to serve in this role is truly a task of discernment.
Paul, writing to Titus, lengthens the job description with words like "blameless," "faithful," "not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain," "hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined," and able to stand firm in regards to the gospel and sound doctrine.
Is there anyone who can fulfill this role?
Even though I am ordained as a teaching/preaching elder, I know I fall short.
Later in the letter, Paul also gives a list of behaviors:
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.If I made a checklist, I'd find myself failing the test of the "good elder."
What is a wonder to me, then, is the fact that the work of God happens through such dented and chipped vessels like myself. One of the reasons it does is because as elders, we work together. One makes up for another's weaknesses.
As we focus on the "kindness and love of God," as we remember God saved us by mercy not because of our acts of righteousness, as we rely on the washing and filling of the Holy Spirit, and as we trust in God, we have the opportunity to be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good.
Some might see being appointed as an elder as an honor.
To me, it is very daunting and humbling, but also exciting. Imagine the work done by the saints of God when their hearts are focused upon God!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day 351: The goal being Love
Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 1-6
It seems to me that love is always the goal. It is not only the goal but hopefully the source from which everything we think, say or do finds their origins. I hope every gift I give stems from love. I hope everytime I correct my children, the motive is love. And wouldn't it be grand if even the thoughts and speech toward our enemies were brimming with love.
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, says something very interesting.
A Good Conscience. Perhaps this is only possible after a long episode on our knees, confessing all the logs in our own eyes. These logs form a dam which blocks the washing waters of our tears of sorrow and repentance. Imagine every intention being pure like fresh spring water, unlike the smelly cisterns, full of scum. Now there's a wonderful request.
A Sincere Faith. This one is a little more tricky for me. What makes faith sincere? Or perhaps the opposite; what makes faith insincere? According to my daughter, sincerity of faith is not about how well you can defend your faith but in your daily demonstration of your faith in action, words and thoughts. I think consistancy and perseverance are key.
So, Love...
I guess its not about feelings and all that other gushy stuff.
It's about selflessness and truth all put into faithful and consistant action.
Now, there's a goal for us all!
It seems to me that love is always the goal. It is not only the goal but hopefully the source from which everything we think, say or do finds their origins. I hope every gift I give stems from love. I hope everytime I correct my children, the motive is love. And wouldn't it be grand if even the thoughts and speech toward our enemies were brimming with love.
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, says something very interesting.
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.Purity of heart---now there is a tough one. If we could just clear our hearts of selfish motives, bitterness or pride it seems to me life would be so much more loving. When the Psalmist says, "Create in me a clean/pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me," I think he's on to something. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." If we could for just one instant have purity of heart, imagine what we would see!
A Good Conscience. Perhaps this is only possible after a long episode on our knees, confessing all the logs in our own eyes. These logs form a dam which blocks the washing waters of our tears of sorrow and repentance. Imagine every intention being pure like fresh spring water, unlike the smelly cisterns, full of scum. Now there's a wonderful request.
A Sincere Faith. This one is a little more tricky for me. What makes faith sincere? Or perhaps the opposite; what makes faith insincere? According to my daughter, sincerity of faith is not about how well you can defend your faith but in your daily demonstration of your faith in action, words and thoughts. I think consistancy and perseverance are key.
So, Love...
I guess its not about feelings and all that other gushy stuff.
It's about selflessness and truth all put into faithful and consistant action.
Now, there's a goal for us all!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day 350: Com' on..Git Happy!
Today's Reading: Philippians 1-4
One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna, starring the incredible Halley Mills. One little girl comes into a town of grouches, gossips, self-absorbed and greedy people and changes everything with JOY.
She encourages everyone to re-think life...to look for the bright side in every situation. This becomes a game of wits, and as people put their efforts into the task, smiles come into their lives.
The letter to the Philippians is the Pollyanna book. It calls us to rejoice! To rejoice in the LORD. To rejoice in the promises. To rejoice in the future. To rejoice today.
The more we trust, the more we can live joyful lives. It's a matter of what one sets one's mind upon.
One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna, starring the incredible Halley Mills. One little girl comes into a town of grouches, gossips, self-absorbed and greedy people and changes everything with JOY.
She encourages everyone to re-think life...to look for the bright side in every situation. This becomes a game of wits, and as people put their efforts into the task, smiles come into their lives.
The letter to the Philippians is the Pollyanna book. It calls us to rejoice! To rejoice in the LORD. To rejoice in the promises. To rejoice in the future. To rejoice today.
The more we trust, the more we can live joyful lives. It's a matter of what one sets one's mind upon.
Forget your troubles
Come on get happy
You better chase all you cares away
Shout hallelujah
Come on get happy
Get ready for the judgment day
The sun is shining
Come on get happy
The LORD is waiting to take your hand
Shout hallelujah
Come on get happy
We're going to the promise land
We're heading across the river
Wash your sins away in the tide
It's all so peaceful on the other side
Day 349: Immeasurably More
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6
So...
How wild is your imagination?
If you were to imagine the perfect moment...could you do that? Who would be there? What would you be doing? What sights would surround you? Smells? Sounds?
How would everyone feel? What would be the highest value? Would anything be lacking? What would you ask for?
Now...
Here's what Paul is saying.
Our wildest imagination...
Our deepest and most expensive request...
Is small
It's narrow
It's short
of what God has planned for us.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
So...
How wild is your imagination?
If you were to imagine the perfect moment...could you do that? Who would be there? What would you be doing? What sights would surround you? Smells? Sounds?
How would everyone feel? What would be the highest value? Would anything be lacking? What would you ask for?
Now...
Here's what Paul is saying.
Our wildest imagination...
Our deepest and most expensive request...
Is small
It's narrow
It's short
of what God has planned for us.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Day 348: A checklist for Pray-ers
Today's Reading: Colossians 1-4; Philemon
Do you ever sit or kneel to pray and think, what should I pray for these whom I love? Often we ask God to "bless" and we offer "thanks" for people. But wouldn't it be marvelous to put some meat on our prayers of intercession?
How about we learn from one of the best today? Paul's letters usually begin with prayers and his prayer in the letter to the Colossians is a wonderful model for us.
So here's a great checklist for all on your prayer list.
1. Ask God to continually fill them with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. To know God's will, to understand wisely the direction God is leading would be such a comfort to those raising children, making major life decisions or leading God's people!
2. If we could grasp God's will, we would be able to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. The object of every one who loves the LORD would be to please him in every way possible. It is a worthy goal!
3. Imagine asking the LORD to allow the one for whom you are praying to be able to bear fruit in every good work. This way, they (we) would not only be pleasing God, but we would feed all around us with the marvelous spiritual fruit we would carry with us.
4. And wouldn't it be marvelous to grow in the knowledge of God.--to daily increase in the mind of Christ. To begin to understand, not only what God desires, but who God is!
5. In the midst of the ministries, we must pray for strength with all power according to God's glorious might so that those for whom we are praying may have great endurance and patience! Sometimes, living for Jesus puts people in strange and scary situations. To have the strength of God, God's endurance and patience, is truly a blessing.
6. And what a joy to thank the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. There is no greater joy on earth than to be secure in the salvation inheritance laid up by God for his beloved.
What an exciting way to pray for one another!
Do you ever sit or kneel to pray and think, what should I pray for these whom I love? Often we ask God to "bless" and we offer "thanks" for people. But wouldn't it be marvelous to put some meat on our prayers of intercession?
How about we learn from one of the best today? Paul's letters usually begin with prayers and his prayer in the letter to the Colossians is a wonderful model for us.
So here's a great checklist for all on your prayer list.
1. Ask God to continually fill them with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. To know God's will, to understand wisely the direction God is leading would be such a comfort to those raising children, making major life decisions or leading God's people!
2. If we could grasp God's will, we would be able to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. The object of every one who loves the LORD would be to please him in every way possible. It is a worthy goal!
3. Imagine asking the LORD to allow the one for whom you are praying to be able to bear fruit in every good work. This way, they (we) would not only be pleasing God, but we would feed all around us with the marvelous spiritual fruit we would carry with us.
4. And wouldn't it be marvelous to grow in the knowledge of God.--to daily increase in the mind of Christ. To begin to understand, not only what God desires, but who God is!
5. In the midst of the ministries, we must pray for strength with all power according to God's glorious might so that those for whom we are praying may have great endurance and patience! Sometimes, living for Jesus puts people in strange and scary situations. To have the strength of God, God's endurance and patience, is truly a blessing.
6. And what a joy to thank the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. There is no greater joy on earth than to be secure in the salvation inheritance laid up by God for his beloved.
What an exciting way to pray for one another!
Day 347: Calm in the Storm
Today's Reading: Acts 27-28
The wave crash
And the winds howl
The hurricanes spin
And the boat crashes
But in the eye of the storm
There sits a man
With broken bread
And blessing.
Take and eat
He says to all
The LORD will supply your need
Not one hair
Can fall
Or will
For our LORD will save us
All.
Is he the devil
Or is he a god?
The people wonder
As the serpent tries
To stop the course
Of God's will
Once again.
But into the fire
Satan goes
and many are healed
and set free.
The gospel is proclaimed
Throughout the world
The storm does not
Scare the people of God
Instead,
We say
Peace, be still.
The wave crash
And the winds howl
The hurricanes spin
And the boat crashes
But in the eye of the storm
There sits a man
With broken bread
And blessing.
Take and eat
He says to all
The LORD will supply your need
Not one hair
Can fall
Or will
For our LORD will save us
All.
Is he the devil
Or is he a god?
The people wonder
As the serpent tries
To stop the course
Of God's will
Once again.
But into the fire
Satan goes
and many are healed
and set free.
The gospel is proclaimed
Throughout the world
The storm does not
Scare the people of God
Instead,
We say
Peace, be still.
Day 346: A Great Audience
Today's Reading: Acts 24-26
In this day of social networking, a message can get sent across the world very quickly. A man decides his congregation will burn the Koran and the ears of the president hear about it in less than 12 hours! WiKiLeaks can change major companies' policies by invading their systems.
Without all this technology, God places Paul right smack dab in front of the rulers of the land. We wondered, "Where is God?" as we see Paul getting beat up and slandered; but we begin to see the wisdom of God's action as Paul gets placed in the middle of the highest courtroom to speak to a great audience.
Isn't it amazing...the most articulate student of the law, the brainchild of the Pharisees, one who has sat in the seat of condemnation, now speaks with calm, intelligence and wisdom to the highest ruler of the land. And what does he say?
He tells the story of the prophets and the law. He shares their history. He proclaims the promises of God fulfilled. He gives his own testimony. He proclaims Jesus as the Christ with accuracy, fervor and passion. His testimony is sound.
What was God doing? God was orchestrating a wonderful concert for the ears of the rulers! The sweetest music they could hear was the music of the possibility for their own salvation. God does not discriminate against rich or poor, Jew or Gentile.
God will not quit until everyone has the opportunity to hear the Good News and accept it.
In this day of social networking, a message can get sent across the world very quickly. A man decides his congregation will burn the Koran and the ears of the president hear about it in less than 12 hours! WiKiLeaks can change major companies' policies by invading their systems.
Without all this technology, God places Paul right smack dab in front of the rulers of the land. We wondered, "Where is God?" as we see Paul getting beat up and slandered; but we begin to see the wisdom of God's action as Paul gets placed in the middle of the highest courtroom to speak to a great audience.
Isn't it amazing...the most articulate student of the law, the brainchild of the Pharisees, one who has sat in the seat of condemnation, now speaks with calm, intelligence and wisdom to the highest ruler of the land. And what does he say?
He tells the story of the prophets and the law. He shares their history. He proclaims the promises of God fulfilled. He gives his own testimony. He proclaims Jesus as the Christ with accuracy, fervor and passion. His testimony is sound.
What was God doing? God was orchestrating a wonderful concert for the ears of the rulers! The sweetest music they could hear was the music of the possibility for their own salvation. God does not discriminate against rich or poor, Jew or Gentile.
God will not quit until everyone has the opportunity to hear the Good News and accept it.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 345: Willing to Suffer Loss
Today's Reading: Acts 20:4 - 23:35
How strange it is to read through the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the season of Advent. While most of America is out shopping, in decorating trees and having way too many parties, we walk alongside Paul as he travels, preaching the Gospel.
Though we might think we are tired and worn out by the season, I am amazed at Paul's stamina. He is battling the crowds, not at the mall, but at the center of town, where they are stoning, flogging and literally beating him up for the gift of the gospel he carries.
Why is he willing to go to such great extent to deliver the message which began at Christmas, matured through the Passion and Resurrection and burst forth at Pentecost? Why is he willing to suffer such loss?
Paul's passion is fueled by the certainty of the reality of Jesus Christ. Though once a persecuter of the believers himself, his face to face encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus changed everything, re-wired him, so to speak.
He is in good company.
All the great prophets of old left everything behind to do what God had called them to do. Abraham left the comfort of his wealth. Moses left the shepherd fields of serenity. David was willing to face giants and the wrath of a crazy king. Women stepped out of their tents into the circle of wisdom and daring. Slave girls spoke up. A young virgin said, "Yes" to God and the whole world was changed.
With each willingness to suffer loss, a gift of joy was bestowed.
So Joy to the World, I say. Let's get movin' in the right direction this season.
How strange it is to read through the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the season of Advent. While most of America is out shopping, in decorating trees and having way too many parties, we walk alongside Paul as he travels, preaching the Gospel.
Though we might think we are tired and worn out by the season, I am amazed at Paul's stamina. He is battling the crowds, not at the mall, but at the center of town, where they are stoning, flogging and literally beating him up for the gift of the gospel he carries.
Why is he willing to go to such great extent to deliver the message which began at Christmas, matured through the Passion and Resurrection and burst forth at Pentecost? Why is he willing to suffer such loss?
Paul's passion is fueled by the certainty of the reality of Jesus Christ. Though once a persecuter of the believers himself, his face to face encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus changed everything, re-wired him, so to speak.
He is in good company.
All the great prophets of old left everything behind to do what God had called them to do. Abraham left the comfort of his wealth. Moses left the shepherd fields of serenity. David was willing to face giants and the wrath of a crazy king. Women stepped out of their tents into the circle of wisdom and daring. Slave girls spoke up. A young virgin said, "Yes" to God and the whole world was changed.
With each willingness to suffer loss, a gift of joy was bestowed.
So Joy to the World, I say. Let's get movin' in the right direction this season.
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